Architect Magazine Unveils Top Green Achitecture List!

The world of architecture has mounted a bit of a backlash against the celebrity architecture list that <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/08/architecture-survey-slideshow-201008?currentPage=all" target="_blank">Vanity Fair</a> published earlier this summer. If you've checked out the list, you'll notice there is a shocking lack of green architecture, and a lot of people are taking notice. Vanity Fair asked 52 experts to choose the five most important works of architecture created since 1980 resulting in a list of 21 buildings, with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/05/12/frank-gehry-slams-sustainability-criticizes-leed/" target="_blank">Frank Gehry's</a> Guggenheim Museum topping the list. We were shocked at how few green architecture projects was represented in Vanity Fair's A-list, so we were glad to see that <a href="http://www.architectmagazine.com/green-building/web-exclusive-the-g-list-survey-of-architecture.aspx" target="_blank">Architect Magazine</a> decided to make their own list -- the G-List. Read on for a look at the top <a href="../architecture/" target="_blank">green buildings</a> constructed since 1980!

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/07/03/oberlin-college-setting-a-sustainable-example-in-ohio/" target="_blank">Adam Joseph Lewis Center at Oberlin College</a></h3> </br> Taking the top seat in the G-List with 13 votes, the Adam Joseph Lewis Center at Oberlin College was honored as the most impressive green building constructed since 1980. Designed by Inhabitat favorite <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2005/06/24/cradle-to-cradle-certification/" target="_blank">William McDonough + Partners</a>, the solar powered building is a hands-on training facility with a strong focus on energy and water efficiency that includes a onsite ‘living machine’ that naturally cleanses and recycles wastewater for reuse.

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/09/22/california-academy-of-sciences-unveiled/" target="_blank">California Academy of Sciences</a></h3> </br> In second place with 11 votes, the California Academy of Sciences by Renzo Piano Workshop includes a stunning, undulating <a href="../green-roof/">green roof</a> dotted with skylights. Completed in 2008, the beautiful LEED Platinum institution features an aquarium, a natural history museum, a living rainforest, a planetarium, and world-class research and education programs.

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/02/06/genzyme-center/" target="_blank">Genzyme Center</a></h3> </br> The Genzyme Center in Cambridge, MA collected 9 votes for its LEED Platinum biotech facility, which includes a high performance curtainwall glazing system, a 32% water consumption offset, and extensive indoor gardens. Designed by <a href="http://www.behnisch.com/">Behnisch, Behnisch, and Partners</a> out of Venice, California, Genzyme Center’s natural light enhancement system brings natural light in through a series of roof-mounted heliostats.

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/01/17/bedzed-beddington-zero-energy-development-london/" target="_blank">Beddington Zero Energy Development</a></h3> </br> With 7 points total, the Beddington Zero Energy Development/BedZed is an impressive residential and office space development in the London borough of Sutton. Designed by architect Bill Dunster, it is a carbon-neutral community with lots of green spaces, recycling facilities, water saving fixtures, and a legally-binding green transport plan.

<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2008/10/02/one-bryant-park-nearly-completed/" target="_blank">One Bryant Park</a></h3> </br> One Bryant Park, the only skyscraper included in the list, garnered 6 votes on the G List. Designed by Cook + Fox Architects and Gensler, the NYC skyscraper is one of the first to receive LEED Platinum certification and includes its own co-generation plant, natural ventilation, eco-friendly materials and rainwater collection.

<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/05/04/dockside-green-synergy-aiacote/" target="_blank">Dockside Green</a></h3> </br> Dockside Green, a high-scoring, LEED Platinum residential community with a host of honors to its name, got 4 votes in the survey. Located in Victoria B.C., the carbon neutral community is highly energy efficient, treats 100% of its wastewater, and features a ton of other green building strategies.

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/07/omega-center-for-sustainable-living-opens-in-upstate-new-york/" target="_blank">Omega Center for Sustainable Living</a></h3> </br> Located in upstate New York, the Omega Center for Sustainable Living grabbed 4 votes in the survey. Achieving both LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge Certification, the center is a state-of-the art environmental education and water reclamation facility that works to educate visitors on Omega’s ongoing environmental initiatives, including innovative wastewater strategies.

<h3><a href="http://inhabitat.com/2007/11/08/first-leed-platinum-carbon-neutral-building/" target="_blank">Aldo Leopold Legacy Center</a></h3> </br> The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center in Wisconsin was the first ever LEED Platinum, carbon neutral building, and it received 4 votes in the G-List survey. The building produces 15% more energy than it consumes with its solar photovoltaic system, uses FSC certified wood, solar passive design and much more.

<h3><a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/06/03/good-design-the-perma-karpo-library-by-arup/" target="_blank">Druk White Lotus School</a></h3> </br> The Druk White Lotus School in Ladakh, India, designed by Arup and completed in 2005, took home 4 votes in the survey. Constructed from locally-sourced materials, the beautiful school and library include ventilated Trombe Walls, wool insulation, a mud roof, timber paneling and even solar panels on the roof.